The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • MKO Abiola’s wife, others grace Oladele’s vision presentation for Oyo in Abuja

    MKO Abiola’s wife, others grace Oladele’s vision presentation for Oyo in Abuja

    Oyo APC governorship aspirant and Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has declared that Nigerian youths are supposed to be today’s leaders.

    Oladele made the remark during a Meet and Greet session held in his honour at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja. 

    The event served as an interactive platform to discuss good governance and youth participation in politics.

    He emphasised that young Nigerians must rise to become agents of positive change by contesting for various elective positions in the 2027 general elections, stressing that the long-held narrative describing youths as future leaders is misleading.

    “The idea that youths are leaders of tomorrow is a scam,” he said, urging young people to take charge of leadership roles now rather than wait for the future.

    Also speaking at the event, the Abuja coordinator of the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation, Shams Olatunbosun, called on Oyo youths to support Oladele’s ambition to govern Oyo State in 2027, describing him as a champion of good governance and accountability.

    He reiterated that it is the turn of youths to be in the saddle of governance as the youths should see Baàmẹ̀kọ́’s aspiration as a collective aspiration.

    A consultant ENT surgeon with the State House Clinic, Abuja, Dr Shareefah Bolanle Hassan, narrated how she met Baàmẹ̀kọ́ inside a plane on his way to the holy land in 2021. 

    She said she was indisposed inside the plane and Baàmẹ̀kọ́ exchanged his more comfortable seat with hers. 

    She stated that such a commendable gesture is the hallmark of a compassionate leader, and it was the reason she felt compelled to attend the Meet and Greet.

    The event was well attended by a cross section of Nigerians and some dignitaries, including a wife of late chief MKO Abiola, Mrs Hadiza Abiola.

  • Navy dismantles illegal refinery in Ondo, arrests seven suspects

    Navy dismantles illegal refinery in Ondo, arrests seven suspects

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have dismantled an illegal refinery in Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities.

     The Commander of the FOB, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the operation on Friday, said seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while locally made guns and machetes believed to have been used to resist the Navy’s intervention were recovered.

     Usman explained that the raid followed credible intelligence on economic sabotage and maritime crimes in the area.

     He revealed that during the operation, about 3,000 litres of refined diesel stored in jerry cans and multiple cooking ovens used for processing stolen crude oil were discovered.

     According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects were secondary actors in the illegal operation and had since been released.

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     He, however, declared the primary suspects wanted to ensure they face prosecution for economic crimes against the nation.

     The Navy Commander disclosed that the anti-crude oil theft team initially faced violent resistance from a group of hired youths and women who attempted to shield the illegal activity.

     “The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to a nearby bakery and makeshift structures used as storage facilities.

     “The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated in line with directives from Defence Headquarters and established operational procedures,” he said.

  • Collapsed building: LASEMA releases preliminary report

    Collapsed building: LASEMA releases preliminary report

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has released the preliminary report on the recently collapsed building at Ajegunle, Apapa , Lagos.

    According to the agency, upon arrival of its response team at the scene, it was observed that a three-storey building with a penthouse undergoing manual demolition was found to have collapsed trapping some workers under the rubbles.

    LASEMA  gathered from community members that the building was undergoing a manual demolition before it collapsed, trapping the workers on site.

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    The building located at 28, Baale Alayabiagba Street, Alayabiagba Community, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, was said to have collapsed on the October 30, 2025, at 11:09am.  Eight adult males were said to have been rescued alive while an adult male was recovered dead from the rubble of the collapsed building.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA,  Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke –Osanyintolu, the  rescued injured victims were given first aid immediately by LASAMBUS and subsequently transported to Ajeromi General Hospital.

    “LASEMA team, alongside all other responders embarked on coordinated search of the incident scene, to ensure prompt rescue of victims trapped under the collapsed building.

  • Adelabu gives N100 million business grant to traders, artisans, farmers in Oyo

    Adelabu gives N100 million business grant to traders, artisans, farmers in Oyo

    The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu on Friday doled out a N100 million business support grant to traders, artisans and farmers across Oyo State.

     Adelabu, a 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State said the empowerment was part of his ‘2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Program Series’ to alleviate suffering of the masses across the state.

     He said empowerment became necessary as part of his efforts in giving back to society.

     According to him, considering the current economic challenges across the nation particularly the state, there was the need for relief for traders, artisans and farmers in the state.

     He said, “The empowerment is not about politics, I use it to thank God for his mercy on me, so, I’m giving back to society.”

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     He urged residents of the state and Nigeria at large to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that Tinubu can be re-elected again as Nigeria’s President.

     “President Tinubu is God sent to Nigeria, he meant well for us, let us all support him and APC, though, things are somehow tough, but I can assure you that Nigerians will soon reap the gain of their pains.”

     Dignitaries at the event include former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Moses Adeyemo; the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass; APC Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite; and Prince Gbade Lana among others.

     Also, groups in attendance include All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State Chapter, members of Bayo Adelabu Foundation (BAF), traders, and artisans among others.

  • Oyo lawmaker calls for urgent intervention in Elepe–Awe land dispute to avert communal clash

    Oyo lawmaker calls for urgent intervention in Elepe–Awe land dispute to avert communal clash

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive arm of government to urgently wade into a long-standing land dispute between the Elepe Family of Oyo Town and leaders of the Awe Community in Afijio Local Government Area, to prevent a potential communal clash and ensure peace and order.

     The call followed a motion titled ‘Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Urgently Intervene in a Land Dispute Between the Elepe Family in Oyo Town and the Alawe Community Leaders, Awe to Prevent Communal Clash and Maintain Peace and Order,’ raised by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency, during plenary on Thursday.

     Oyekola noted that the dispute, which dates back several decades, involves over 15,000 acres of land at Ahoro Iseke, spanning about 218 villages predominantly inhabited by Elepe farmers across Oyo West and Afijio Local Government Areas.

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     He recalled that the dispute has been a subject of litigation between both communities since the early 2000s. A judgment delivered in 2004 awarded portions of the disputed land — including Ijado, Ijefon, and Dapogudugu — to the Awe Community, a decision which the Elepe Family contested through an appeal.

     According to the lawmaker, the appellate judgment later created ambiguity over the exact boundaries to be allocated, thereby intensifying tension between the two sides.

     He expressed concern that despite the ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency, reports indicate that leaders of the Awe community are allegedly making moves to take possession of the land by force, insisting that Oyo indigenes vacate the area before the end of the week.

     Oyekola warned that failure to address the situation swiftly could result in violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property, urging the state government to take proactive steps to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

     The motion was seconded by the lawmaker representing Oyo East/West State Constituency, Olorunpoto Rahaman.

     However, the House, in its resolutions, urged the Executive arm of government through the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security Matters to immediately intervene and ensure peace is restored in the affected communities.

     It also directed the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency to expedite its investigation into the matter and submit its report to the House within three weeks.

     Additionally, the Assembly appealed to both the Elepe and Awe Community leaders to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict, while relevant law enforcement agencies were urged to mobilize personnel to the area to prevent unrest.

  • HURMA petitions Adeleke, NHRC over human rights abuses against blind farmer

    HURMA petitions Adeleke, NHRC over human rights abuses against blind farmer

    • Monarch denies involvement

    The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has petitioned the Osun State Government, Ademola Adeleke, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), to launch an independent investigation into alleged violence, displacement, and illegal land transactions causing unrest in Wakajaye community in Osun State.

     In the separate petitions, signed by the Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Olaitan, the civil society organisation accused the traditional ruler of the community, Olu of Wakajaye, Oba Titus Adeleke, of human rights abuses, and acts tantamount to crimes against an elderly blind farmer, Mr. Gabriel Amusan, who was violently displaced from his ancestral land and residence.

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     But in a swift response, the monarch denied any involvement in the case. While speaking to The Nation, though he confirmed knowing the family and the land in question, he denied collaborating with an individual or thugs to torment the family.

     HURMA noted that this act was allegedly perpetrated by the monarch through coordinated attacks carried out by his accomplices, in collaboration with other individuals.

  • Epe council boss flags off rehabilitation of roads

    Epe council boss flags off rehabilitation of roads

    The Epe Local Government Council Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun has flagged off the rehabilitation of several strategic township roads in Epe LG council area to ease movement of persons and goods within the metropolis.

     Animashaun, who disclosed this at a press briefing ceremony to kick start work at the Etitun, Nitel-Odubote and Ajagannabe roads, said that the council had identified several key roads within the town and its suburbs that were in dire need of repairs and decided to commence work on its rehabilitation immediately.

     She said that the project would mark another significant milestone in her administration’s commitment to modernising Epe’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents, business owners and motorists.

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     The Chairperson noted that the projects beyond enhancing smooth vehicular movement and boosting commercial activities, but would also tackle the long-standing issues of flooding in the area, and ensuring a more durable and safer road network.

     “This road from Etitun, NITEL-Odubote, and Ajagannabe, roads are key roads and we need to put it in good shape. This will make the flow of traffic easy and will take off the unnecessary gridlock that we experience around here most times.

  • Veteran broadcaster endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Veteran broadcaster endorses Oyebanji for second term

    A veteran broadcaster and media consultant, Mrs Ronke Kolawole has rallied support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term bid.

    Speaking with some journalists shortly after a private tour of the facility in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Wednesday, the veteran broadcaster, who is an indigene of the town, described the visible transformation that has taken place in the community as really breathtaking.

    According to her, the Ilawe Ekiti community has never had it so good as far as infrastructure and socioeconomic development is concerned.

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    “This is real dividends of democracy at work. I’m impressed and proud to witness this breathtaking transformation that I have seen around here.”

    Specifically, Kolawole, who until recently was the Deputy Director News at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, said one of the marvel of Ilawe Ekiti is the new look General Hospital, which had hitherto been consigned to a mere consulting clinic because of its dilapidated state over the years.

    “The last time I visited the Ilawe General Hospital, it was in a sorry state, totally decrepit. You could tell that the place just existed in name only because things had gone pretty awful. Poor facility, unmotivated workforce, low patronage and totally moribund, just name it.

  • Rotary clubs unite for polio eradication

    Rotary clubs unite for polio eradication

    • Embarks on 3KM awareness walk on

    In a powerful demonstration of collective commitment, six Rotary clubs from Zone 4 of District 9111 Nigeria—Rotary Club of Ota, Alakuko, Ijoko Premier, Ijoko, Iyana Iyesi Ota and Agbara—convened for a 3km awareness walk on October 25, 2025, to mark World Polio Day.

    Under the leadership of their respective presidents and with the distinguished presence of Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) Oluwole Kukoyi, the event drew hundreds of members, bystanders, parents, and market women to advocate for polio vaccination awareness and reinforce Africa’s polio-free status.

     Participants distributed educational flyers and paused at strategic intervals to engage bystanders with sensitization efforts, spotlighting Rotary International’s ongoing global campaign to eradicate polio, a disease now limited to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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    The initiative, themed, ‘End Polio Now,’ featured inspiring remarks from the club presidents. Rotarian Charles Umukoro, President of Rotary Club of Ota, underscored the organization’s dedication, stating, “This walk reaffirms our commitment to a polio-free world. Africa’s success is Rotary’s triumph; let us vaccinate every child to sustain this achievement.”

  • Aiyedatiwa’s  massive infrastructure in Ondo excites APC chieftain

    Aiyedatiwa’s  massive infrastructure in Ondo excites APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has applauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the historic approval of 101.036 kilometres of road projects and sweeping upgrades to public institutions, describing the initiative as a masterstroke in inclusive governance and a catalyst for Ondo State’s socio-economic renaissance.

    In a statement yesterday , he praised the Governor’s foresight in balancing urban renewal with rural transformation, noting that the blend of 66.421 km of brand-new roads and 34.615 km of rehabilitation works will dismantle long-standing barriers to progress across the state’s three senatorial districts.

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    “This is leadership with a human face. The 21.2 km Omotosho–Igbotako–Iju-Odo Road will revolutionise agriculture and trade in the south; the 8.5 km College Road–Irewole dual carriageway in Igbokoda will decongest coastal traffic; while the 15.720 km Danjuma–Bolajoko–Isikan–Shoprite–Secretariat network in Akure will restore the state capital’s pride as a modern hub,” he declared.